Non supportive parents
Parents who are not supportive of their child’s education were often seen to be uneducated themselves with little knowledge about school and too busy working to learn more about this; some were seen to neglect their children and spend their money on alcohol and playing cards. Some parents see that there are few options for those who complete school, that education does not necessarily guarantee a better job and want their children to drop out of school and work. Teachers spoke of having to travel long distances to speak to parents about their school and to convince them of the need for their child to be educated. Teachers also spoke of their difficulties and frustrations trying to keep children in
class and in some cases had to personally collect children from their home and bring them to the learning centre.
Besides teachers working to encourage parents, organisations such as World Education (WE) work with parents on parenting skills and on how to help and support their child to get a decent education. Parents are encouraged to visit the school and to help out if they wish, however this can be difficult if they work seven days a week. WE also go out with the MTC community health team to deliver education messages and check children’s nutrition.